Public Release: 4-Dec-2012
UC Riverside entomologist recognized for research in citrus entomology

IMAGE: Joseph Morse is a professor of entomology at UC Riverside.
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Credit: UCR Strategic Communications.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Joseph G. Morse, a professor of entomology at the University of California, Riverside, is this year's recipient of the California Citrus Quality Council's prestigious Albert G. Salter Memorial Award in recognition of "his steadfast dedication in the field of entomology which has contributed vitally to the California citrus industry."

For more than three decades, Morse has provided timely research results and valuable educational resources to California citrus growers and pest control advisors that have enabled the continued economic well-being of the citrus industry. His extensive efforts in studying the control of citrus thrips, a primary pest of concern to the industry, has led to the registration of new materials needed for its management as well as a continued search for non-chemical alternatives.

An accomplished researcher, educator and administrator, Morse has focused much of his efforts on pests of quarantine concern in export markets, which are critical to the economic viability of the industry. His field studies and publications on Fuller rose beetle are vital as this pest continues to threaten the industry's access to essential markets.

Morse has specialized in the areas of integrated pest management, invasive species research, applied biological control, parasitoid behavior and ecology, insectary rearing of natural enemies, the acute and sub-lethal impact of pesticides on both target pests and non-target organisms, modeling and computer simulation, and pesticide resistance.

He also has an interest in international agriculture and has been involved in citrus and avocado pest management and/or cooperative projects with researchers and industry personnel in Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, and Spain, and in a 1996 FAO-sponsored analysis of citrus integrated pest management in 13 countries of the Near East.

Morse's previous honors include recognition as a fellow of the Entomological Society of America (ESA, 2012); the ESA Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management (2011); the Award of Honor (2010) and the Art Schroeder Memorial Award (2006) from the California Avocado Society; being named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2006); and the ESA Recognition Award in Entomology (1993);. He has authored or coauthored more than 135 scientific refereed journal articles; 8 edited books/ proceedings; 49 invited chapters, monographs/ proceedings articles; and more than 125 semi-technical publications/ popular articles.

Morse is the 14th researcher at UCR to receive the Salter Memorial Award. He received the award in October 2012.

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The California Citrus Quality Council ensures that California citrus production meets domestic and international regulatory standards. It works with government agencies, international standards setting organizations, the University of California, the California citrus industry and trading partners to help the California industry meet several regulations. The Salter Award recognizes an individual for their significant contributions and their dedication and commitment to the citrus industry.

The University of California, Riverside is a doctoral research university, a living laboratory for groundbreaking exploration of issues critical to Inland Southern California, the state and communities around the world. Reflecting California's diverse culture, UCR's enrollment has exceeded 21,000 students. The campus will open a medical school in 2013 and has reached the heart of the Coachella Valley by way of the UCR Palm Desert Center. The campus has an annual statewide economic impact of more than $1 billion. A broadcast studio with fiber cable to the AT&T Hollywood hub is available for live or taped interviews. UCR also has ISDN for radio interviews. To learn more, call (951) UCR-NEWS.

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